A&N Conducts First All-Women Maritime Surveillance Mission

March 11, 2024

On March 8, 2024, coinciding with International Women’s Day and the 40th anniversary of INAS 318, the Andaman & Nicobar Command undertook its maiden all-women maritime surveillance mission. This historic event highlights the command’s commitment to providing equal opportunities and fostering gender neutrality within the armed forces.

The triumphant execution of this mission affirms the capability of women to undertake independent operational tasks, highlighting their indispensable contributions to the nation’s defense and security. This achievement serves as a testament to the skill, dedication, and professionalism of women in the armed forces. This event not only celebrates the achievements of women in the military but also reinforces the command’s commitment to gender equality and the recognition of women’s vital roles in safeguarding the nation

The Mission Crew

The crew for this groundbreaking mission, based at INS Utkrosh, consisted of three women officers:

Lieutenant Commander Shubhangi Swaroop
Lieutenant Commander Divya Sharma
Lieutenant Vaishali Mishra

The occasion emphasized the critical roles played by women combatants in various aspects of the Naval Air Arm, including:

– Pre-flight briefing

– Meteorological briefing

– Medical check-up

– Air Traffic Control (ATC) briefing

Notably, all of these tasks were carried out by women officers, showcasing their expertise and contributions to the mission’s success.

Commitment to Equal Opportunities and Gender Neutrality

The successful completion of this all-women maritime surveillance mission underscores the Andaman & Nicobar Command’s dedication to providing equal opportunities to all genders and promoting gender neutrality within the armed forces. This milestone demonstrates the command’s recognition of the invaluable contributions made by women towards the nation’s defense and security.

INAS 318: A Brief History

INAS 318, the elite Naval Air squadron in the Andaman & Nicobar Command, has been continuously engaged in surveillance roles since its commissioning on March 8, 1984. The squadron’s journey began with the induction of Islander aircraft, which were later replaced by Dornier aircraft in 1999. The Dornier aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art Maritime Patrol Radars, enabling long-range maritime surveillance capabilities.

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